Cotabatenos lambast ConAss; slam Arroyo’s charter change
Cotabato City- Cotabatenos have already signified their defiance on Charter change (CHACHA). An alliance against move for ChaCha through People’s MARCH was launched here yesterday in a Multisectoral Forum in Notre Dame University- the lone university in the city.
About a thousand of participants coming from sectors of academe, human rights group, religious institutions, civil society group, local officials, militant Moro and youth organizations joined the forum and witnessed the formal launching of alliance which comprised of at least 18 groups and individuals.
Rep. Satur Ocampo of Bayan Muna Partylist, the resource speaker of the forum, delivered his analysis and standpoint on the said issue. The militant solon who
debated the passage of HR 1109 which would convene a senate-less Constituent Assembly or ConAss , said the Filipino people will not benefit on the proposed
charter change.
Ocampo stressed some critical points that people should consider to resist charter change. He pointed out some proposed amendments to obliterate nationalist provision especially on economic restrictions which does not allow 100% foreign ownership on lands, mining, shippings and education among others.
”It’s a total sell-out of national patrimony and sovereignty if we’ll let this to happen. It’s the future of the next generation which is at stake” Ocampo emphasized before his major audience- the youth. He added that national election on 2010 must be exercise first and debates on charter change can be entertain under a new administration saying it’s untimely and would-not-credible under Arroyo administration.
People’s MARCH convenor Pstr. Orlando Zambrano of United Methodist Church expressed his dismay regarding the obvious agenda of the side of what he call, Arroyo’s minions in lower congress which is to prolong the term of the president.
“Her allies primarily working out to change the present presidential to parliamentary form of government through ChaCha, which is the only way for her to escape lawsuits and prosecution of corruption and plunder charges. Another term in favor of Arroyo as a president of this country would mean another burden to Filipino people.” Pstr. Zambrano said.
As for the incessant bombing incidents in Mindanao; in a media conference today, Rep. Ocampo strongly condemned the carnage of innocent civilians and urged the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation so that justice will be serve to victims of blasts in Sulu, Iligan and Cotabato City.
“ No one will benefit this terroristic activities but those who hold in power”, said Ocampo stressing that those incidents would only create an objective condition for Arroyo to justify the possible lift of martial law.
